AJ Wilder
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
AJ Wilder is an avid aerobatic competitor with over 24 years of experience. Wilder can be found flying his Extra 330 SC “Rumble Bee” in both air shows and aerobatic competitions. With multiple ratings in nearly every type of flying machine, his passion for flying is unmatched. In addition to co-founding the Figure 1 Foundation, AJ has over 20 years of experience in commercial architecture and interior design. Serving as President, AJ actively manages Wolcott, a successful design firm located in Downtown Los Angeles. An active member of the community, Wilder is involved in leadership at both the WPO Wilshire and Southland Chapters, and assists in fundraising events for the Multiple Sclerosis organization. Above all, AJ’s passions lie in bettering his community and establishing connections with those around him.
Chris Olmsted
CO-FOUNDER & ACCEPTANCE COMMITTEE
Chris Olmsted, owner of Olmsted Aviation and Co-Founder of the Figure 1 Foundation, is an aviation educator and enthusiast with extensive experience in the art of aerobatic flight. He is a certified flight instructor (uncertified therapist), certified aerobatic judge and a certified air-frame and power plant technician. Mr. Olmsted has over nineteen years of professional experience with over 7500 hours of flight experience including 2700 hours of aerobatic flight. He is the President of the Los Angeles Aerobatic Club (International Aerobatic Club, Chapter 49) and acts as contest director at the annual Duel in the Desert Aerobatic Contest.
Robert Olmsted
PRESIDENT & ACCEPTANCE COMMITTEE
Bob Olmsted retired from the IBM Corp after a long carrier in engineering, field service, software, and management. As a Top Gun Engineer he also headed the IBM computer security team for the western United States based out of the Silicon Valley. Bob is an Instrument rated pilot, earning his Private Pilots certification in 1976, and is still a passionate aviator. Throughout his years of flying, he has owned several single engine airplanes and enjoyed the art of hang gliding and skydiving. When Mr. Olmsted is not flying, he spends much of his time with grandkids, donating blood, and backpacking in the wilderness.
Lisa Kienholz
BOARD MEMBER & ACCEPTANCE COMMITTEE
Lisa has over thirty years of experience in small business finance and administration. Lisa took flying lessons decades ago but had to put a hold on it due to lack of funds. She began again in 2013, and within a year had her license, tailwheel endorsement and had purchased a 1947 Luscombe 8E. Lisa believes that further training is important to continually improve her flight skills. In the past few years she has obtained her Single Engine Sea Rating and completed an Emergency Maneuver Training (EMT) course along with a bush pilot course in Alaska. Lisa is a board member of the Continental Luscombe Association, serving as the Treasurer and Membership Chair and the Los Angeles Aerobatic Club. She volunteers as Scorer and Registrar at the annual Duel in the Desert Aerobatic Competition. She understands the important role that scholarships play in flight training and is therefore pleased to be volunteering with Figure 1 Foundation.
Jeff Gery
ACCEPTANCE COMMITTEE
Jeff is not a pilot but he is committed to supporting others who love to fly! This commitment to aviation developed years ago when Jeff would drive his then 14 year old son to his flying lessons and evolved as his wife learned to fly and over time found her passion flying aerobatics competitively. Seeing the joy flying brought to his family inspired Jeff to volunteer and help others achieve their flying goals as well. Jeff volunteers on the Figure 1 scholarship committee and is active in fundraising for the local 99s chapter. Jeff leverages his 35 years of experience as an executive in the financial services industry to bring a different perspective to the scholarship committee.